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As an avid runner and someone who frequently runs on West Michigan trails, I recently had the opportunity to test the Hoka Tecton X 3 during my training and race at the Yankee Springs Fall Festival 25k. These shoes are designed for trail racing and incorporate some of Hoka’s best technology to date. Here’s my breakdown of how they performed in real-world conditions, both during training runs and on race day.
Hoka Tecton X 3 Features
- Gaiter-like extended knit collar
- Matryx textile upper
- Ghillie lace construction
- Dynamic vamp for foot splay
- Dual-layer PEBA midsole
- Patent-pending parallel carbon fiber plates with winglets for stability
- Speed-centric MetaRocker
- Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with Traction Lug
- 4mm lugs
Hoka Tecton X 3 Upper and Fit
One of the first things that caught my attention about the Tecton X 3 was the gaiter-like collar at the top. It’s unique, and I hadn’t seen anything like it before. I was initially concerned it might feel restrictive or rub against my ankle, but it turned out to be surprisingly comfortable. The gaiter system kept out trail debris like mud, rocks, and sand, making it perfect for the sandy and buffed-out trails of West Michigan.
The upper is made from Matryx fabric, which is both quick-drying and breathable. This was especially helpful on some of the more humid training days or after hitting a few puddles on the trail. My feet stayed dry and comfortable, with no blistering or irritation. The fit of the shoe was true to size, and the roomy toe box allowed for plenty of foot splay, which was a huge plus, especially when running downhill.
Hoka Tecton X 3 Midsole and Cushioning
The midsole is where the magic happens with the Tecton X 3. It features a dual-density PEBA foam that feels bouncy and responsive. Coupled with the carbon fiber plates that have winglets for added stability, this shoe provides a fast, propulsive ride that is ideal for trail racing.
In my 25k race, the cushioning was a lifesaver, especially during the later miles when fatigue started to set in. The carbon plates really helped me power up hills and maintain my speed on the downhills. The Meta-Rocker system made each stride feel smooth and forward-driving, which helped me conserve energy during the race.
Hoka Tecton X 3 Traction and Stability
The outsole of the Tecton X 3 features Vibram Megagrip LiteBase with 4mm lugs. While not overly aggressive, the lugs provided plenty of grip on the varied terrain I encountered in West Michigan. I felt secure on both sandy trails and more technical sections with rocks and roots. The traction held up, even in wet and slippery conditions.
The winged carbon plates also contributed to the shoe’s stability. On uneven ground, my foot stayed centered and supported, which gave me the confidence to pick up the pace without worrying about twisting an ankle or losing my footing.
Race Day Performance
I tested the shoes extensively in training, and they performed well on both easy runs and hard efforts. But the real test came on race day. During the Yankee Springs 25k, I found myself leading the race early on, running my first mile at a 7:30 pace, which was faster than planned but felt effortless in the Tecton X 3. The shoe’s cushioning and carbon plate system allowed me to maintain a solid pace throughout the race, even when the course transitioned into more technical and hilly sections.
The shoe helped me maintain my speed on the uphills, and the cushioning absorbed the impact on the downhills. The lightweight feel of the shoe allowed me to race without feeling weighed down, and I finished 2nd overall with a time of 2 hours and 9 minutes. Needless to say, I was extremely pleased with how the Tecton X 3 performed.
Conclusion
At $275, the Hoka Tecton X 3 is definitely on the pricey side, but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny if you’re serious about trail racing. The dual-layer PEBA midsole and carbon plates offer a unique combination of cushioning and propulsion that makes running feel effortless. Plus, the built-in gaiter and Vibram outsole provide the protection and traction needed for tackling tough trails.
The shoe comes in two color options—Black/Hoka Blue and Stormy Skies/Cerise. While I wasn’t initially sold on the aesthetics, the performance more than made up for it. If you’re interested in purchasing a pair or learning more, you can find them at Hoka’s website and at rei.com. These shoes are a solid investment for anyone looking to up their trail running game!